Impromptu Impact Slides

The Art of the

Impromptu Speech

Learning to Speak Without a Script

// Version 0.1 // 2005-2026

Warm-up: Rapid Fire

The Challenge

When I point to you, you have 5 seconds to say one "cool thing" about an object.

1

Don't overthink.

2

Trust your first instinct.

3

No "um" or "uh" (if you can!)

History in

19 Seconds

In April 2005, a man named Jawed Karim uploaded the first video ever to a new site called YouTube.

// Analysis Focus

• Delivery Style
• Filler Words ("Um", "Really")
• The "Natural" Vibe

Case Study: Me at the zoo

Embedded media

Source: youtube.com/watch?v=jNQXAC9IVRw

What did we see?

1

The Script

Did he sound rehearsed or natural? What clues did his voice give away?

2

Filler Words

He said "really" three times. Why? How did it change the vibe?

3

The Ending

"That's pretty much all there is to say." Is this a good way to end a speech?

Your Turn: Quick Report

The Mission

Give a 20-second "Me in the Classroom" report. Point out one object and say why it's cool.

The Rule

NO SCRIPTS. You can't write anything down. Just talk!

The Pair-Up

Partner A records Partner B. Then swap. Help each other keep it under 20 seconds!

Pro Tip

"Imagine you're sending a quick video message to a friend. Keep it casual, but clear!"

Reflection

"What was harder: finding the words, or staying within the 20 seconds?"

Natural vs. Polished

The Power of "Unscripted"

Quick Report Worksheet

Quick Report

Impromptu Speech Lab

Name

Date

Part 1: Case Study (Me at the zoo)

Observation Notes

List three filler words or repetitions you heard:

Delivery Style

How did Jawed end his video? Was it effective? Why or why not?

Part 2: Planning Your "Me in the Classroom"

Remember: No full sentences! Only keywords or tiny drawings allowed.

The Object

The "Cool Thing" (3 Keywords Only)

Your Catchphrase/Sign-off

Part 3: Post-Video Reflection

The Filler Tally

Watch your recording. Add a tally mark for every "um", "uh", "so", or "like".

Final Verdict

What was one thing you did well in your unscripted speech?

Total Video Duration: _______ seconds

The 20-Second Rubric

The 20-Second Rubric

Impromptu Media Assessment

Clearly identifies the classroom object and shares a specific observation.

| Detailed and clear; stay on topic the whole time. | Identifies object but explanation is vague. | Confusing or fails to identify an object. | |

Filler Words

Uses natural pauses instead of "um," "uh," "so," or "like."

| Very few or no filler words used. | A few fillers, but they don't distract. | Filler words make it hard to follow. | |

Duration

Length of the report (Goal: 15-20 seconds).

| Perfect timing (15-20s). Includes a clear end. | Too short (<10s) or slightly too long (>25s). | Significantly over or under time. | |

Body Language

Eye contact with the camera and appropriate gestures.

| Confident; looks at the camera; natural movement. | Occasional eye contact; stiff posture. | Avoids the camera; distracting movement. |

Glow

Something you did exceptionally well:

Grow

One target for your next speech:

Total Score

/ 12

"You don't have to be perfect to be powerful."